Definition: Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, [and] the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts [is] his name:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful and somewhat mysterious verse from Jeremiah 31:35. It's packed with symbolism, but here’s my attempt to explain it in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God’s absolute control and purpose for the future of Israel. It speaks of a new covenant – a promise of a perfect relationship between God and his people. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Jeremiah 31:35 Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night…” – This part describes God actively creating new things. He’s taking something ordinary (the sun and the moon) and transforming them into something special: The Sun as a Light: The sun is naturally a source of light, but God is making it a beacon to guide and illuminate. It's not just passively existing; it's actively shining for His people. The Moon and Stars as Lights: The moon and stars are natural phenomena – things that move through the night sky. God is using them to show His presence, to guide, and to remind us of his power. “which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar…” - This is a powerful image. It suggests God will protect and manage Israel from its problems (the “waves of the sea” representing challenges and difficulties). He's actively working to maintain peace and stability for his people. “The LORD of hosts [is] his name:” - This is a very significant phrase. "Lord of Hosts" means God is in charge, he’s leading and directing everything. The word "hosts" emphasizes that it’s him who is the master. So, putting it all together: God promises to establish a new covenant with Israel. This isn't just a casual agreement; it's a deliberate, active plan of God. He's using the natural world – the sun and moon – as tools to show His power, guide his people, and protect them from harm. It’s a promise of a future where God will be in control and provide for his chosen people. Overall Meaning: This verse conveys a sense of absolute sovereignty and active involvement by God. He doesn't just plan things; he creates them, and he’s actively working to ensure the success and well-being of his people. It emphasizes that God is in complete control of His future plans. Important Note: This passage is often interpreted as a prophecy about Israel’s restoration and eventual prosperity – a time when God will bring peace and abundance to the land. --- Do you want me to: Explain any particular part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event in the Bible? Discuss what biblical scholars think about its meaning?